Cold gas generating system
A gas generating system incorporating a gas flow control mechanism including opposed wall portions defining a cavity for slidably receiving a support member therein. A gas exit passage is exterior of the cavity and in fluid communication with the cavity. An opening in one wall portion enables fluid flow into the cavity. An opening in another wall portion enables a fluid flow from the cavity into the gas exit passage. A seal prevents fluid flow into the cavity when the seal is supported against a force exerted by the fluid. A support member slidably received within the cavity supports the seal against the fluid force. A mechanism is provided for moving the support member from a first position supporting the seal to a second position wherein the seal is unsupported by the support member, enabling failure of the seal and flow of the fluid.
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This application is entitled to and claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/926,456, filed on Apr. 27, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe embodiments of the present invention shown herein relate generally to systems for controlling a flow of gas used to inflate or actuate a gas-actuatable device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn one aspect, a mechanism is provided for releasably blocking a flow of pressurized fluid through an opening. The mechanism includes a housing having a first wall portion and a second wall portion at least partially defining a cavity adapted for slidably receiving a support member therein. A gas exit passage is formed in the housing exterior of the cavity and in fluid communication with the cavity for facilitating flow of pressurized fluid from the housing. An opening is formed in the first wall portion to enable a flow of pressurized fluid into the cavity. Another opening is formed in the second wall portion to enable a flow of pressurized fluid from the cavity into the gas exit passage. A seal is coupled to the housing and is adapted to prevent a flow of fluid through the opening in the first wall portion when the seal is supported against a force exerted by the pressurized fluid in a first direction. A support member is slidably received within the cavity to support the seal against the force exerted by the fluid in the first direction. In addition, a mechanism is operatively coupled to the support member for moving the support member from a first position wherein the seal is supported by the support member, to a second position wherein the seal is unsupported by the support member, thereby enabling failure of the seal and flow of the fluid. The support member slides along the first and second wall portions during movement from the first position to the second position.
In another aspect, a mechanism is provided for releasably blocking a flow of pressurized fluid through an opening. The mechanism includes a housing defining an opening for enabling a flow of pressurized fluid into the housing, and a gas exit passage for facilitating flow of pressurized fluid from the housing. A frangible seal is coupled to the housing and is adapted to prevent a flow of fluid through the housing opening. The seal defines a projection extending into the gas exit passage. The projection includes a wall portion and an end portion coupled to the wall portion. In addition, a mechanism is operatively coupled to the housing for producing a failure of the seal along the wall portion of the seal, thereby enabling flow of the fluid through the opening.
In yet another aspect, a mechanism is provided for sealing a container containing an amount of pressurized fluid therein. The mechanism includes a rupturable member coupled to the container for blocking a flow of fluid from the container past the rupturable member, and a mechanism coupled to the container for rupturing the rupturable member. After rupture of the rupturable member, a first portion of the rupturable member detaches from a second portion of the rupturable member, thereby permitting flow of fluid from the container past the second portion of the rupturable member.
In the drawings illustrating embodiments of the present invention:
Referring to
Cavity 24 is adapted for slidably receiving a support member 29 therein, in a manner described in greater detail below. Wall portions 12a and 12b act to guide support member 29 during movement of the member from a first, supporting position (shown in
Passage 25 is in fluid communication with cavity 24 and facilitates flow of pressurized fluid from the housing. An opening 12c is formed in first wall portion 12a to enable a flow of pressurized fluid into cavity 24. An opening 12d is formed in second wall portion 12b to enable a flow of pressurized fluid from cavity 24 into gas exit passage 25. An axis L extends longitudinally and centrally through housing 12. In the embodiment shown in
In a particular embodiment, a portion of the housing is dimensioned so as to form an interference fit with support member 29, to trap and retain the support member therein when the support member moves to the position within housing cavity shown in
In the embodiment shown in
A filter 38 may be incorporated into the housing to filter combustion products and/or particulates from the fluid prior to distribution. Any suitable metallic mesh filter or woven wire cloth may be used, many examples of which are known and obtainable from commercially available sources (for example, Wayne Wire Cloth Products, Inc. of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.)
Housing 12 may be cast, machined or otherwise formed from steel or other suitable metals or metal alloys. Alternatively, housing 12 (or portions thereof) may be molded from a suitable polymer material. In addition, housing 12 may be fabricated from component pieces which are formed individually and then suitably secured to each other, for example, by welding or adhesive application.
Referring again to
In the embodiment shown in
In the embodiment shown in
In an embodiment where the seal is formed by a rupturable member, a portion of the rupturable member may be scored or otherwise structurally impaired in a manner known in the art, so as to facilitate rupturing or failure of the seal upon movement of the support member out of its supporting position.
Referring again to
Referring to
Referring again to
In the embodiment shown in
Referring now to
Referring to
Other mechanisms for moving the support member from the first position to the second position are also contemplated. For example, pressurized gas from a source located in a different portion of the vehicle could be shunted to cavity 24 to produce movement of support member 29 as described. Alternatively, the support member could be spring-loaded to move as described when released from a latching mechanism controlled by an electronically or mechanically-actuated inertial switch. In another example, the crumpling of a vehicle body member upon collision could either trigger actuation of a switch to release a spring-loaded support member, or compress a bladder whose interior is in fluid communication, with the support member, thereby pressurizing a fluid contained within the bladder to produce movement of the support member. Other mechanisms are also possible.
Operation of the embodiment shown in
Upon occurrence of a crash event, initiator 68 receives an activation signal from a crash sensor or accelerometer (not shown), for example. Combustion of the initiator charge produces an increase in pressure within cavity 24 on the side of support member 29 facing the initiator, causing the support member to slide upwards within cavity 24 (in the direction indicated by arrow “B” in
Operation of the embodiments shown in
Mechanism 110 includes a housing 112 defining an opening 128 for enabling a flow of pressurized fluid into the housing, and a gas exit passage 125 for facilitating flow of pressurized fluid from the housing after activation of the gas generating system. Opening 128 includes an edge 130. A longitudinal axis L′ extends longitudinally and centrally through housing 112. In the embodiment shown in
Housing 112 may include a vent hole 112h for venting a gas displaced within the gas exit passage by movement of a piece of a seal 122 (described below) after failure of the seal in a manner described in greater detail below. Housing 112 also includes a cavity 179 in fluid communication with gas exit passage 125 for the mounting of an initiator assembly 166 (described below) or other seal rupturing device therein.
Housing 112 may be cast, machined or otherwise formed from steel or other suitable metals or metal alloys. Alternatively, housing 112 may be molded from a suitable polymer material. In addition, housing 112 may be fabricated from component pieces which are formed individually and then suitably secured to each other, for example, by welding.
Referring to
Seal 122 may be formed from any of various membranes, foils, films, etc., as is known in the art. The materials and structure of the seal will depend on the pressure of the gas sealed in bottle 118 and the desired performance characteristics of gas generating system 108. For example, seals made from materials and/or having structures which are relatively more or less readily ruptured may be used.
The seal in the embodiment shown in
Referring again to
Operation of mechanism 110 will now be discussed.
Upon occurrence of a crash event, initiator 168 receives an activation signal from a crash sensor or accelerometer (not shown), for example. Combustion of the initiator charge produces an increase in pressure along the outer surface of seal 122, causing the seal to rupture along any scores formed along seal wall portion 122a. The resulting weakening of the seal facilitates rupture of the remainder of the seal in these predetermined areas under pressure exerted by the fluid stored in container 118, causing the seal to separate into at least a first portion 122c and a second portion 122d, as shown in
Any embodiment of the gas generating system described herein may be incorporated into an airbag system 200, as seen in
Referring again to
Safety belt system 150 may also include (or be in operative communication with) a crash event sensor 158 (for example, an inertia sensor or an accelerometer) including a known crash sensor algorithm that signals actuation of belt pretensioner 156 via, for example, activation of a pyrotechnic igniter (not shown) incorporated into the pretensioner. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,505,790 and 6,419,177, previously incorporated herein by reference, provide illustrative examples of pretensioners actuated in such a manner.
It will be understood that the foregoing description of various embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only. As such, the various structural and operational features herein disclosed are susceptible to a number of modifications commensurate with the abilities of one of ordinary skill in the art, none of which departs from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A mechanism for releasably blocking a flow of pressurized fluid through an opening, the mechanism comprising:
- a housing including a first wall portion and a second wall portion at least partially defining a cavity adapted for slidably receiving a support member therein, and a gas exit passage exterior of the cavity and in fluid communication with the cavity for facilitating flow of pressurized fluid from the housing;
- an opening in the first wall portion to enable a flow of pressurized fluid into the cavity;
- an opening in the second wall portion to enable a flow of pressurized fluid from the cavity into the gas exit passage;
- a seal coupled to the housing and adapted to prevent a flow of fluid through the opening in the first wall portion when the seal is supported against a force exerted by the pressurized fluid in a first direction;
- a support member slidably received within the cavity to support the seal against the force exerted by the fluid in the first direction; and
- means operatively coupled to the support member for moving the support member from a first position wherein the seal is supported by the support member, to a second position wherein the seal is unsupported by the support member, thereby enabling failure of the seal and flow of the fluid,
- wherein the support member slides along the first and second wall portions during movement from the first position to the second position.
2. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the support member slides along the seal during movement from the first position to the second position.
3. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the support member slides over the opening in the first wall portion when moving from the first position to the second position.
4. The mechanism of claim 3 wherein the support member slides over the opening in the second wall portion when moving from the first position to the second position.
5. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the support member slides over the opening in the second wall portion when moving from the first position to the second position.
6. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the seal comprises a rupturable member positioned over the first opening, and wherein support of the rupturable member by the support member prevents rupture of the rupturable member.
7. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the means for moving the support member comprises a source of pressurized gas positioned so as to provide pressurized gas to impinge upon the support member to move the support member from the first position to the second position after activation of the moving means.
8. The mechanism of claim 7 wherein the source of pressurized gas comprises an initiator.
9. The mechanism of claim 8 wherein the support member is mounted on the initiator prior to activation of the initiator.
10. The mechanism of claim of claim 1 wherein the means for moving the support member comprises a solenoid and wherein the support member is coupled to a plunger of the solenoid so as to move in conjunction with the plunger.
11. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the means for moving the support member comprises a solenoid and wherein a plunger of the solenoid forms the support member.
12. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the support member is formed from a magnetic material, and wherein the means for moving the support member comprises an electromagnet positioned for exerting a force on the support member to produce movement of the support member from the first position to the second position.
13. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the housing includes a vent hole 66 formed therein for venting a fluid displaced by movement of the support member within the housing.
14. The mechanism of claim 13 wherein the vent hole vents a fluid displaced by movement of the support member from the first position to the second position.
15. A gas generating system comprising a mechanism in accordance with claim 1.
16. A vehicle occupant protection system including a mechanism in accordance with claim 1.
17. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein a portion of the cavity is dimensioned so as to form an interference fit with the support member to retain the support member therein when the support member moves to the second position.
18. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the support member is configured so as to not rupture the seal during movement of the support member within the housing.
19. A mechanism for releasably blocking a flow of pressurized fluid through an opening, the mechanism comprising:
- a housing including a first wall portion and a second wall portion at least partially defining a cavity adapted for slidably receiving a support member therein, and a gas exit passage exterior of the cavity and in fluid communication with the cavity for facilitating flow of pressurized fluid from the housing;
- an opening in the first wall portion to enable a flow of pressurized fluid into the cavity;
- an opening in the second wall portion to enable a flow of pressurized fluid from the cavity into the gas exit passage;
- a seal coupled to the housing and adapted to prevent a flow of fluid through the opening in the first wall portion when the seal is supported against a force exerted by the pressurized fluid in a first direction;
- a support member slidably received within the cavity to support the seal against the force exerted by the fluid in the first direction; and
- a source of pressurized gas positioned so as to provide pressurized gas to impinge upon the support member, for moving the support member from a first position wherein the seal is supported by the support member, to a second position wherein the seal is unsupported by the support member, thereby enabling failure of the seal and flow of the fluid,
- wherein the support member slides along the first and second wall portions during movement from the first position to the second position.
20. The mechanism of claim 19 wherein the support member is configured so as to not rupture the seal during movement of the support member within the housing.
21. A mechanism for releasably blocking a flow of pressurized fluid through an opening, the mechanism comprising:
- a housing including a first wall portion and a second wall portion at least partially defining a cavity adapted for slidably receiving a support member therein, and a gas exit passage exterior of the cavity and in fluid communication with the cavity for facilitating flow of pressurized fluid from the housing;
- an opening in the first wall portion to enable a flow of pressurized fluid into the cavity;
- an opening in the second wall portion to enable a flow of pressurized fluid from the cavity into the gas exit passage;
- a seal coupled to the housing and adapted to prevent a flow of fluid through the opening in the first wall portion when the seal is supported against a force exerted by the pressurized fluid in a first direction;
- a support member slidably received within the cavity to support the seal against the force exerted by the fluid in the first direction; and
- means operatively coupled to the support member for moving the support member from a first position wherein the seal is supported by the support member, to a second position wherein the seal is unsupported by the support member, thereby enabling failure of the seal and flow of the fluid,
- wherein the support member slides along the first and second wall portions during movement from the first position to the second position, and
- wherein the first and second wall portions are opposed wall portions.
22. A mechanism for releasably blocking a flow of pressurized fluid through an opening, the mechanism comprising:
- a housing including a first wall portion and a second wall portion at least partially defining a cavity adapted for slidably receiving a support member therein, and a gas exit passage exterior of the cavity and in fluid communication with the cavity for facilitating flow of pressurized fluid from the housing;
- an opening in the first wall portion to enable a flow of pressurized fluid into the cavity;
- an opening in the second wall portion to enable a flow of pressurized fluid from the cavity into the gas exit passage;
- a seal coupled to the housing and adapted to prevent a flow of fluid through the opening in the first wall portion when the seal is supported against a force exerted by the pressurized fluid in a first direction;
- a support member slidably received within the cavity to support the seal against the force exerted by the fluid in the first direction; and
- means operatively coupled to the support member for moving the support member from a first position wherein the seal is supported by the support member, to a second position wherein the seal is unsupported by the support member, thereby enabling failure of the seal and flow of the fluid,
- wherein the support member slides along the first and second wall portions during movement from the first position to the second position, and
- wherein the opening in the first wall portion is aligned with the opening in the second wall portion along an axis.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Apr 28, 2008
Date of Patent: Mar 29, 2011
Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc. (Armada, MI)
Inventor: Bruce A. Stevens (Oakland, MI)
Primary Examiner: Paul N Dickson
Assistant Examiner: Nicole Verley
Attorney: L.C. Begin & Associates, PLLC.
Application Number: 12/150,401
International Classification: B60R 21/26 (20060101);